Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk Calories: What’s the Better Choice for Your Starbucks Drink?
Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk Calories: What’s the Better Choice for Your Starbucks Drink?
If Starbucks is part of your daily routine, you’ve probably faced this question before:
Oat milk or almond milk, which one’s better for your drink?
It seems like a small choice, but if you’re watching your calories, trying to eat cleaner, or just being more mindful, this one decision can make a noticeable difference.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
Calories: The Real Numbers
Here’s what you can expect in a 16oz Grande drink (unsweetened milk, no whipped cream, no added syrups):
| Milk Type | Calories (Grande) |
| Oat Milk | 140–180 |
| Almond Milk | 60–90 |
Almond milk has about half the calories of oat milk in most Starbucks drinks.
So if you’re ordering regularly, that difference adds up fast. It’s an easy way to cut 50–100 calories without changing your drink size or flavor too much.
If you’re using our Starbucks Calorie Calculator, you can see this difference instantly switch the milk option and watch the total adjust.
Why Is Oat Milk Higher in Calories?
The main reason? It comes down to what it’s made from.
Oat milk is made from oats and oats are naturally high in carbs and starch. Even when there’s no added sugar, oat milk still contains natural sugars, which bump up the calorie count. Some brands also add oil to make their versions creamier, especially those intended for coffee drinks.
Almond milk, on the other hand, is mostly water with a small amount of almonds. That’s why it’s lighter in taste, texture, and calories.
Watch Out for Sweetened Milks
Here’s something to be aware of: not all milk at Starbucks is unsweetened. Some drinks use “barista-style” milk blends that are creamier and better for foaming but they often have added sugar or oil.
That can quietly add 20–60 extra calories to your drink without you even noticing.
If you’re trying to keep things lighter, go for unsweetened almond milk when customizing your drink with our calculator.
Example: Let’s Compare Two Versions of the Same Drink
Take one of Starbucks’ popular options:
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Grande)
- With oat milk: around 120–150 calories
- With almond milk: around 80–100 calories
Simply by swapping the milk, you can save 30–50 calories with no change in size or espresso. It’s still the same drink, just a little easier on your daily total.
And if you make that swap five times a week? That’s roughly 250 calories saved, more than enough to matter.
How Do They Taste?
Let’s be honest, taste plays a big role too.
| Factor | Oat Milk | Almond Milk |
| Texture | Creamy and thick | Light and smooth |
| Flavor | Slightly sweet | Neutral, nutty |
| Best For | Hot drinks, lattes | Iced drinks, lighter coffees |
Oat milk is great for creamy lattes and feels a bit more like regular milk. Almond milk is better if you prefer something lighter or want to cut calories without changing the flavor much.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Option?
If you’re trying to reduce calories, unsweetened almond milk is a better choice. It’s light, simple, and does the job well, especially in iced drinks.
But if you really enjoy the smooth, creamy taste of oat milk and don’t mind a few extra calories, that’s okay too. It’s all about what works best for your routine and your goals.
See the Difference for Yourself
The easiest way to figure it out? Use the Starbucks Calorie Calculator. You can:
- Customize your drink
- Change the milk type
- Instantly see the calorie difference
It takes just a few seconds and helps you make better choices without giving up the drinks you love.
If you need help figuring out the lowest-calorie version of your go-to order, or want to compare more milk types side by side, we’ve got you covered. Just head over to the calculator and explore your options.
It’s your drink. Make it work for you.
